FORMER Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Owen Paterson MP, visited Earby to deliver a message that a ‘leave’ vote in the EU referendum would lead to better flood defences.

Mr Paterson met with local businesses in Earby that had been affected by the Boxing Day floods of 2015, explaining to local entrepreneurs how leaving the EU could lead to more money being spent on flood protection in Lancashire.

Mr Paterson said: "By voting to leave, we can ensure we create our own environment policy, which meets the needs of our own country.

"We can target properly our own flood spending for places like Earby, to both prevent flooding and assist clear-up. It will allow us to prioritise our Lancashire landscape and local needs."

Earby councillor Mike Goulthorp, who joined the MP on the visit, added: “We were devastated by floods last year and need more funds to spend on defences and response.

"We can do that by taking back control of the £350 million we send to Brussels each week and focusing on our own local needs.”